The project approved by Saugeen Shores Council in 2019, has been a controversial ‘bone of contention’ with many permanent and summer residents voicing their opposition, primarily through the Port Elgin Beach Preservers volunteer organization.
Those against the project expressed it will be an “environmental disaster” given that the area must first be ‘de-watered’ as the land in question is spring-fed and, in earlier discussions, was labelled a ‘dynamic beach’ area by Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA).
In addition, the issue has been raised that the development will be on what is considered public land and, as a tourist destination where parking during the summer is at a premium, a significant shortage will be the result.
When the project was approved in 2019, it was with a contentious first-time 50-year lease based on the project being a public-private development and phase one was to have been completed within two years. However, the first sign of construction is the fencing that was installed this year, 2025.
The development under numbered company, 2706913 Ontario Inc., headed up by local investors, is expected to be a multi-million dollar two-story building that, according to early designs, will house a restaurant/banquet hall, retail shops and more.
Known as Cedar Crescent Village (CCV), at the outset construction was anticipated to be in the range of $10 – $15 million however, given the delays that have taken place since 2019, a total figure is now expected to be significantly more.
For more on the proposed development and to follow since its inception, CLICK HERE.
While the development appears to be moving forward, there remain several unanswered questions. The history of Port Elgin Beach includes a pavilion dance-hall operated by the local McGrath family. According to descendant, Wayne McGrath, the family owns the copyright name of Cedar Crescent and, therefore, is yet another ‘fly in the ointment’.
In addition, the land leased to the developer was declared as ‘surplus’ by the town following the lease approval. However, under the town by-law, the designation of ‘surplus’ should have been approved prior to the lease being implemented, and is also to be applied to land that is superfluous to public usage, which is not applicable to the public Port Elgin beach.
At the upcoming Regular meeting of Council to be held January 6th … “It is recommended that Council move into a Closed to Public Session to discuss a confidential matter regarding 2706913 Ontario Inc., that includes commercial or financial information, supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.”
The outcome of which is to be determined.
